MALDIVES is a group of coral islands scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The gem like
islands depict the rare vision of a tropical paradise. The palm-fringed islands with sparkling white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and coral reefs teeming with abundant varieties of marine flora and fauna, continue to fascinate visitors, as it has fascinated others in the past, for thousands of years. Marco Polo referred to the Maldives as the 'Flower of the Indies" and Ibn Batuta called her in his chronicles as "One of the Wonders of the World".
Measuring 820 Kilometres north to south and 120 Kilometres east to west at its greatest width, the closest neighbours are India and Sri Lanka. Comprising of 1190 coral islands of which only 202 are inhibited. Each island is surrounded by a shallow lagoon which is enclosed by a coral reef providing protection from the hazards of the sea. Hundreds of these islands along with other coral growth form an atoll. The islands are very small and low-lying with many being no more than two meters above sea level. Common features are tall coconut palms, white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons. There are no hills, mountains or rivers in the Maldives.
The Sun, the Sand & the Sea. These are just the three simple realities beckoning tourists from far and wide to these little islets, giving as a result, a glorious sense of happiness and proving to be a heavenly getaway from the world and its worries. The
Maldives teaches the visitors the pleasurable art of doing nothing, simply lazing around and enjoying some of the most spectacular and colourful vistas offered by Nature. No wonder then that tourists flock in large numbers to the 70 odd self-contained island resorts ;provided with all the comforts and warmth exuded by traditional Maldivian hospitality. That is why Maldives is considered to be the ultimate destination, the future world for holiday-makers.
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